Treated with preventive anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation : the patients’ perspective

• Aim: The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of preventive anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation.Design: This was a descriptive qualitative study based on interviews.Methods: Individual interviews with 15 patients, 6 women and 9 men, treated with preventive oral anticoagulant due to atrial fibrillation, were conducted. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.Results: Based on the analysis, the theme Managing a necessary evil emerged. The theme comprised the three categories: Coping with anxiety and changes in daily life, Having confidence in care and Being a partner or only a receiver of treatment. Patients described it like being faced with a situation where a treatment perceived as vital was weighed against undesirable consequences and risks. Patients trusted caregivers and had confidence in care, but there was a risk of being a receiver of care instead of becoming a partner.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

Keyword

atrial fibrillation

oral anticoagulation therapy

patients’ experiences

qualitative

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)